Kids Say the Darndest Things…

So when my students mock/repeat what I say, it’s annoying. But when my 2 1/2 year old child does it, it’s either hilarious or infuriating. I thought I would share with you a few examples. You’ll see the word or phrase he says, the context in which he uses it, and the etymology (or how/where he learned it).

Enjoy.

“Sorry. I can’t park.”Context: Used while driving his Little Tykes car (the red and yellow ones).Etymology: We got a new minivan about 6 months ago. I still can’t park the darn thing. Therefore, most times when we go places, I find myself apologizing to any passengers in the vehicle before I pull out and re-park.

“Really???”Context: He’s asked to do something and doesn’t want to. Etymology: Mommy. Example: “Mason, don’t scrape the table with your fork please.” (Mason scrapes table with fork.) “Really? (with dripping sarcasm) I just asked you not to do that!”

“RIGHT! NOW!”Context: Typically used during a temper tantrum, this phrase indicates that something is not happening as fast as he would desire.Etymology: Husband used to say, “Mason, you need to ______________ right now!” He regrets this now.

“Get outta my way!”Context: Used any time he wants something/someone to move. Is usually combined with “please”, but this does not make the phrase any more polite. Has been used at the grocery store towards complete strangers. Etymology: His favorite book from the library, I’m Dirty by Kate and Mike MacMullen. Reading is a good thing, but perhaps I need to be a bit more careful in book selections.

“Look at those little eyes!”Context: Whenever Isaiah is awake.Etymology: Both parents said this from the start of Isaiah’s life because it’s so rare for newborns to be awake.

“I know, Isaiah. I know.”Context: Whenever Isaiah is crying.Etymology: I say this when I can’t get to Isaiah right away to soothe him. Didn’t even realize I said this!

“That’s pretty cool!”Context: Varies. Sometimes used when he’s confused and doesn’t know how else to respond. Sometimes used when he thinks something is, well, cool. “Look at that excavator! That’s pretty cool!”Etymology: Mommy. Guess I need to expand my vocabulary a bit.

“Fail.”Context: When he or I do something incorrectly. Example: Dropping 14 freeze pops out of the freezer. “Fail, Mommy.”Etymology: Me again. Jeez. Fail.

“(GASP!) It’s an ambulance! WEEEOOOOOHHHHH WEEEEOOOOHHHHH!”Context: Whenever any type of siren is heard.Etymology: We live 3/4 mile from the fire station and 1/4 mile from the police station. The husband of his sitter is a firefighter; therefore, they live down the street from the fire station. He hears sirens all the time. When he first began asking what the sound was, I would tell him what it was. Now, he has to tell me what it is. Every time we hear a siren.

I’m sure there are more, but these are the most common. I guess it could be worse. He could use the F word all the time. Oh wait. He does. Every time he says TRUCK. (I’m hoping the speech problem will go away soon.) More later…